“He’s always eaten like a bird from what I remember, even as a young child… Is he really not eating?”
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“Eh, Mrs. Hakuba is here?”
“I am, as a matter of fact! It seems that my son is busy trying to help Baaya take down the Christmas decorations, though I don’t know why they’re so intent to… I would wait until after New Year’s, myself, but no~”
“Though I suppose we do have that New Year’s Eve party coming up…”
♀ “Good evening Mrs. Hakuba,” he tries in his best English, adding a little bow, but then switches back to Japanese. “Do you mind, if I asked what has gotten you interested in Japan to travel this far and find love on the other side of the world?”
“Oh my, you’re charming, aren’t you~? I’ve always thought that the Japanese way of life was so romantic, you know? Especially back before we had the internet and everything, I saw these movies and read these books and heard so much about it from one of my brothers, who went there once, and came back with so many wonderful little trinkets… I kept a Japanese lantern hunt in my bedroom for years and years, and promised myself that I’d go, some day.
"And, one day, when a terrible tsunami struck the coast of Tokyo, I found myself in a position to go along with the Red Cross on a relief mission. It was my first time there, and I barely spoke any of the language despite having taken courses at university, and it was while barking orders and moving sand bags that I met the young officer that would soon become my husband…
"I guess you could say that I’ve always been a tad obsessed with Japan. Living there was a lot different than I expected, though, and I’m glad to be home in England now… but I’ll never forget – or regret – the time I spent there.”
♀ If your son wasn’t set on being a detective, what career path would you have liked to see him pursue?
“I’d probably have him become a teacher or a journalist… something that’s a little less dangerous, anyway, and much more cerebral. Though, that said, I wouldn’t mind if he became my successor in the charity work… Charities need social functions like the ones that I provide in order to survive, and there are very few people that know how to network like I can.
"I’m really not certain who to pass my hostess specialties onto…”
“What did your son do for fun when he was little? Did he have many friends?”
“When he was little, he usually played out in the garden or the woods behind the property. Baaya would go with him half of the time, but he did wander off quite often on his own. As far as friends go… no, he didn’t really have many. It was always difficult for him; he’s so shy, you know, and we always lived so far away from his classmates…
"But he did have his dogs to play with, and Baaya played cards, and I taught him how to play piano, so I don’t think he was really lacking in company. Besides, he had so many books to read, things to photograph, and toy dragons to train.
"He’s a friendly sort, it just takes a while to get him out of his shell.”
{I want to ask Hakuba’s mother a question, but I don’t know what to ask! *pout*}
“That’s all right, my darling! Just ask anything that comes to mind. I’ll start you off with an interesting bit of trivia about my son. When he was younger, he used to think that he could catch the Easter bunny if he got up early enough and waited out in the garden with a big net. Isn’t that precious~?”
♀ What’s something Hakuba’s done that you’re insanely proud of (and maybe even brag about to others?)
“Insanely proud of..? Well, my dear, I’m proud of him every day. He’s a survivor, very passionate and kind, and I just adore my son!”
"If you want something specific, though, there was the time that he scolded my husband about forgetting my birthday… ah, such fond memories~”

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In case anyone was wondering why I use Yukiko-in-disguise as a face claim for Hakuba’s mother… I realize that it’s probably just that Gosho has same-face syndrome, but still. 🙂 Also, the reason why my icons are all dirty and filtered is because I knew it would be impossible to get high-res versions of most […]
Hakuba, what are your parents like?
“Both of my parents are fine people – good breeding, intelligent, strong morals, very understanding and loving – but also extreme workaholics. They both come from wealthy families who have strong roots in their respective countries. Really, it’s almost unfortunate that they have so much in common – the pacifism, gentle hand, devotion to helping people – because they also share an extreme stubbornness that divides them so completely.”
“Hakuba Junpei, an only son, has worked hard all his life to establish his own mark on the world. Riding on the coattails of his parents, who were made rich by scientific and technological research, was something that he was satisfied with. Even though it would have been easy for him to never work a day in his life, he studied hard in school, went to a good university, put himself through the academy, and rose through the ranks of the Japanese police with nothing but his own blood, sweat, and tears. He is now the Superintendent General, the highest ranking officer in all of Japan.
"He’s a compassionate man, someone who is devoted to keeping the peace and promoting good will. He knows his staff, puts in as many hours as is humanly possible at the station, and makes it a point to introduce himself to every new recruit at the very least. I think that he may be more married to his work than to my mum, and I don’t think that he would argue with that, nor would the fine men and women that he is in charge of.
"Despite how overwhelmingly busy he is, my father takes a keen interest in the youth, and seems to have a real talent for finding and fostering those who show promise. He rules with a gentle, but firm hand, and is quick to give praise where it is deserved. This is not to say that he is soft – he is more than willing and capable to do whatever is necessary when called for, and will not hesitate to follow through with whatever decision he deems to be right and just.
"I admire my father greatly, even though we often do not see eye-to-eye on minor issues. It’s true that I harbor unfair resentment toward him for placing his work above me, but honestly, even I know that I can’t truly blame him for it. It is for the greater good. He is proud of me, and has said as such, and does attempt to make time for me when I ask… I think he’d do anything for me if he could… but that it something that I personally struggle with. I believe it is trait that I have inherited from both sides of my family.
"On a more personal note, should you be interested in learning something other than work, my father enjoys fishing, camping, and building model ships. Indeed, he has a veritable armada at home of all types, but he favors large battleships.”
"Marion Camilla Wickham-Hakuba was the first child of five and the only daughter. While her brothers- Arthur, Joseph, Martin, and Theodore, respectively -may be taller than her now, she has never lost her position as the one in charge. She grew up a lady, graduating from finishing school at an all-girls academy to go on to Cambridge university to further her studies in concert piano.
"Or, at least, that was the plan. Between obtaining her GED and attending university, she took a GAP year to go on various service missions, travelling the world to assist the Red Cross. It was then that she discovered her love of the humanities, which interrupted her studies two years later. After switching her major, she went on to graduate with honors and fled the country to go on a tour of philanthropist endeavors.
"This eventually led to her meeting my father in Japan, and, once married, she put her connections to work, assisting charities by arranging and hosting benefits, as she could no longer travel to do so herself. Even after moving back and reclaiming the estate in London, my mum has poured countless hours and funding into being a hostess for any organization that she feels is in need, and worthy of, her assistance.
"Through her efforts, millions of pounds have been funneled into the groups that need it most; particularly local, grass-roots groups that have heart, just need a bit of a lift. She loves her work, both for the fact that she is able to help people, and because she rather enjoys the high society atmosphere, and has said on several occasions that she never wishes to retire.
"As a mother, she is caring and energetic. Although she does not have a lot of time to spare (hence why Baaya has been primarily responsible for my car), the time that she does spend with me is extremely productive. She’s got a gift for reading people, and we’ve long since become good friends because she understands my need for respect and privacy. Although I could do with a little less meddling, I do believe that she has my best interests at heart, and very much wishes me to follow whatever I feel my path should be.
"Her personal interests include patronizing the arts, from visiting museums to dragging us all out for season tickets to the Royal Opera House, and music. She’s a talented vocalist, but even that cannot compare to her gift with the piano. Mum is also a very shrewd poker and billiards player — do not dare to test her, she will defeat you utterly and laugh about it behind a delicate hand.”
“You would think that two such people would have a wonderful relationship, wouldn’t you? Alas… I suppose there are some things that even love cannot conquer in this world.”
139. Would it bother you if you found out that your mother was pregnant?
“My god, yes, considering that she and my father are separated, not divorced, and haven’t seen each other in several months… I know that she has many suitors interested, but I trust that she’s a lady who honors her vows. I mean really, what kind of a question is this? If you know something that I don’t, you may as well tell me this instant! Is it the doctor?! I knew I never should have left England! Damn that bloody physician! I realize that we keep him on retainer, but he has no business making so many house calls, insanely attractive or not!”